An 80-year-old man who was struck when he stopped to help a driver who went off the road near Qualicum Beach has died from his injuries.
CHEK News identified the man as Pat Hare of Red Deer, who was driving from Comox for what would have been the start of a two-month vacation in Parksville.
Hare died last week in Victoria General Hospital with family by his side, said police.
B.C. Highway Patrol said that on March 2, Hare stopped by the side of Highway 19A just north of Qualicum Beach to help a female driver who had gone off the road and hit a pole.
It was 3 a.m. and Hare had been headed to Parksville after his flight from Calgary to Comox was delayed for several hours, his son told CHEK News.
Hare and the driver were standing near the damaged vehicle when an oncoming vehicle struck the damaged vehicle, which then hit them both.
Hare reportedly saw the oncoming vehicle and pushed the female driver out of the way, likely saving her life, police said.
The female driver was injured but is expected to recover.
Officers at the scene determined that the driver who crashed into the scene of the accident exhibited signs of impairment before he was transported to hospital, police said.
B.C. Highway Patrol spokesperson Cpl. Melissa Jongema said impaired driving is a leading cause of death and injury on B.C. highways.
“Police are reminding everyone to report all suspected impaired drivers by immediately calling 911 and for others to plan ahead, use a designated driver, take a taxi, or just stay with a friend.”
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call 250-954-2953 and quote file number 2024-388.
